Summer Rollerblading Tips for Beginners
This summer, make it the year you try something new. Or at least something new to you. What’s old is new again, so if you are recalling the days of your youth when you more often than not had wheels on your feet, why not relive them?
If you have kids, it’s a great way to get the family out and about doing things together. Rollerblading is tons of fun at any age, and because of this simple fact, it can propel everyone off the couch and keeping fit.
As with any sport though, there are risks for injury, so follow these tips for beginners to ensure everyone stays safe!
– Don’t skate out of the house
Why not? Even if you’re going to rollerblade around the neighborhood, keep your sneakers in a lightweight backpack. You never know when you may run into trouble and need to take off your wheels.
– Know how to brake
Practice braking in your driveway or on the sidewalk in front of your home. Don’t venture anywhere else with your skates until you’re sure you’ve got the hang of it. Make sure if you’re rollerblading with the kids that you can see they know how to do it too.
– Choose a flat surface
Whether it’s been 20 years since you last rollerbladed or you’ve never been before, the best thing you can do is stick to flat land. This is not the time to try your luck on hills. And if you head to a track, that’s a good place to be, though make sure you stay on the outer loops.
– Stay hydrated
Rollerblading is fun but exhausting. Even if the weather isn’t too horribly hot, you’ll dehydrate quickly without water to replenish your body.
– Wear protective gear
Yes, it looks uncool. But having a head injury (or any other injury for that matter) is even more uncool. Protect yourself and your children too with helmets, padding, and wrist guards.
– Work up to it
Kids are pretty resilient when it comes to expending all that energy. But you’re not a kid anymore, so take the time to work those big muscle groups that rollerblading and skating require. Squats are a great way to get those legs in shape and so are skiing motions too.
You can also work with a personal trainer that will help you build that strength for rollerblading. That’s a great idea ahead of slapping on your skates. Afterwards though, make time for a massage to help those muscles recuperate. No, don’t skate there! Let In Your Home Therapy come to you when you need us for our health services to serve you at your convenience. From massage therapy to personal training and everything in between, we’ll be there to help you maintain your best health!
